Team Canada sets world record for first human pyramid behind an electric boat

Canada’s National Waterski Show Team set the world record for executing the world’s first waterskiing pyramid behind an electric powerboat. The feat took place on Lake Muskoka in Ontario.

“It’s incredible to be the first,” team captain Geordie Newlands told Muskoka 411.

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“You always want to be the first. It’s so amazing to see the evolution of EV technology and all of our passion for the sport come together in this way and we were proud to be part of it.”

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The electric boat used to perform the stunt was designed by Canadian manufacturer Voltari who had the opportunity to showcase its latest 260 model.

“We loved the combination of Canadian tech and Canadian athletic talent – it was an exhilarating moment,” said Voltari CEO Cam Heaps.

The story behind the boat began when Voltari’s Chief Technology Officer, Bruno Tellier, made a bet with a friend that he could design a marine EV with sufficient speed and power to waterski behind it.

Traditionally, automotive EV technology cannot meet the demands of propelling a boat due to the heavy batteries and the drag of the water. However, Voltari succeeded in developing optimal hull, battery designs, new carbon fibre materials and power train systems.

“It’s so powerful – it pulled us all off the dock with such ease,” Newlands said.

“We breathe a lot of exhaust behind the boats and there was none of that at all. And it’s so quiet – makes for easy communication between the driver, the spotter and the skiers. It was a totally different experience and we loved it.”

The National Waterski team will be performing at the upcoming world championships in Australia next month, and Voltari will be showcasing its newest EV in a global marine market hoping to meet the demands of zero-emission, low-maintenance electric watercraft.